The lessons in this issue introduce students to the many different facets of exploration, including trade, religion, territorial expansion, and science. Students learn that exploration is not always the fantastic tale of heroic explorers and friendly natives. They also discuss modern day exploration in space.

One lesson has students think about past explorers and their motivations, as well as map their passages across the globe. Another activity has students discuss the effects of contact with explorers on the indigenous peoples who lived in the land the explorers “discovered.” Students are also asked to look at exploration in their own communities, think as homesick space explorers, and explain some of the opinions for and against space exploration.

Note: This is an archival publication dating back to 1994 and any supplements or suggestions for off-site education may not be available.